[When should we start getting worry if baby is not coming?].
Currently, an estimated one out of six in couples has trouble to conceive. Normally a standard infertility evaluation is started, after one year of unsuccessful attempts in obtaining a pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is useful to inform couples before of different factors that can affect the occurrence of pregnancy. An initial evaluation of infertility is always carried out in parallel with the two members of the couple and includes various tests. The invasive nature of some examinations will depend on the findings of other tests. The particular situation of recurrent miscarriages requires special assessment but unfortunately less than half of the cases have identifiable causes. There are three main procedures of assisted reproductive technologies: ovulation monitoring, intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. In vitro fertilization is a practice currently very supervised in Belgium, accessible to the majority of the population and resulting in a pregnancy about three times out of ten. There are some complications even if they remain uncommon (2%). The family doctor has certainly a role to play in order to have optimal care of unfertile couples from the beginning until the end.
Autin
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C
Département de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, C.H.U. Saint-Pierre, Bruxelles. candice_autin@stpierre-bru.be
D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D010060:Ovulation; D011247:Pregnancy